NAB Statement on Introduction of Performance Royalty Legislation

One Representative, three Senators join Local Radio Freedom Act

165 House Members, 21 Senators back hometown radio stations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the introduction by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY-10) of the Fair Play Fair Pay Act, which would force broadcast radio stations to pay a performance royalty for musical airplay, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:

“NAB respectfully opposes the legislation reintroduced by Rep. Nadler that would impose a job-killing performance royalty on America's hometown radio stations. NAB remains committed to working with Congress on balanced music licensing proposals that help grow the entire music ecosystem, promote innovation, and recognize the benefit of our free locally-focused platform to both artists and listeners. We’re thankful to 165 House Members and 21 Senators who back the Local Radio Freedom Act that acknowledges broadcast radio's indispensable role in breaking new artists and promoting record sales."

Reps. Michael Conaway (R-TX) and Gene Green (D-TX) are the principal cosponsors of the Local Radio Freedom Act (H. Con. Res. 13) in the House of Representatives. Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) introduced a companion resolution in the Senate (S. Con. Res. 6). The bipartisan resolution, which opposes "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations, has 165 cosponsors in the House and 21 in the Senate.

About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association
for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests
in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education
and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities,
strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital
age. Learn more at www.nab.org.